Creamy Lentil Dal with Fragrant Spices

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) red lentils 1 cup (200g) red lentils
• 1 cup (200g) yellow split peas 1 cup (200g) yellow split peas
• 1 tablespoon ghee 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 6g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the lentils and split peas under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, coriander powder, chili powder, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the rinsed lentils and split peas to the pot and stir to coat them with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils and split peas are tender and cooked through.
6. 6.
   Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove the cinnamon stick from the pot.
8. 8.
   Serve the creamy lentil dal hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
• Coconut milk — Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamy and rich texture.
• Ghee — If you prefer a vegan version, you can substitute ghee with vegetable oil or vegan butter.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier dal, increase the amount of chili powder or add a chopped green chili.
• Serve the dal with steamed basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
• To enhance the flavors, let the dal sit for a few hours or overnight before serving.
• Customize the consistency of the dal by adding more vegetable broth for a thinner consistency or simmering longer for a thicker dal.
• Experiment with different toppings such as toasted coconut flakes or roasted cashews for added texture and flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the creamy lentil dal as a main course accompanied by steamed basmati rice or naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the creamy lentil dal in a deep bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the dal to shine through. Drizzle a swirl of coconut milk on top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for an elegant touch.